“Liberty’s in every blow! Let us do or die.”

Robert BurnsThis week, Scots all over the world are observing the birthday of their beloved bard, Robert Burns. They are remembering the old traditions and perpetuating the customs that have come down through the centuries.

Robert Burns was born on January 25th, 1759, in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland, and became a farmer, as his father had been. However, young Rabbie was bookish, liked to read and developed a great writing talent. During his short lifetime of just 37 years, he wrote many poems and he collected traditional Scottish folk tunes. These touched the hearts of the people and he was proclaimed to be the national poet of Scotland.

“Holy Willie’s Prayer”

Many Scottish societies in America have what are dubbed Burns Suppers, which are celebrations of Scotland and its people. The traditional Scottish dish, haggis, is usually presented with the pomp of the pipes, toasts are made to the ladies, singing is enjoyed, and sometimes even highland dancing is demonstrated. They are parties that would make Rabbie Burns proud indeed. Oftentimes, they are open to the general public, and can be a time to meet descendants of Scotland wearing their Sunday best kilts and tartans in honor of the occasion, to find others sharing your own Scottish surname, and to learn more of the customs of old Scotland. At the conclusion, all hands are joined, Scottish style, in a circle, as everyone ends the night singing Auld Lang Syne.

“O My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose” is one of Burns’ most famous songs. This recording by Kenneth McKellar is taken from the CD “The Robert Burns Collection”. This MP3 is a gift from Scotsman.com’s Heritage & Culture. Here is more Scottish music from Robert Burnsburns.

“Braes of Killiecrankie” is a traditional Scottish song about the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 where Bonnie Dundee (Graham of Claverhouse) was slain, ending Jacobite hopes. The first three verses and chorus were written by Robert Burns in 1789. This rousing rendition is from Marc Gunn’s “Soul of a Harper” - An autoharper’s spiritual journey through Celtic songs (Autoharp).